Table of progression

The structure of our courses is in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), whose recommendations for the learning and teaching of foreign languages as well as level grids for evaluation are acknowledged as the European standard. The table below provides an indication of the level required for the various official exams and gives an idea of the average study time necessary in order to reach each level.

Proficient use of the language

C2
Shows ability to understand any written or oral texts effortlessly. The student is capable of summarising information from various sources, whether oral or written, in a clear and comprehensible manner, and providing justified explanations about these documents. This level is characterised by an ability to express oneself spontaneously, fluently and accurately and to analyse complicated or differentiated states of affairs in a rigorous way.

C1
Shows ability to understand complicated, longer texts as well as their underlying ideas. The student is able to express him/herself with great spontaneity, fluency and accuracy and has a rich vocabulary. In social situations or in the workplace, he/she is able to express him/herself concisely and confidently. In an educational setting, the student can use the language effectively and express finer shades of meaning. Through clear, structured and detailed statements and with the help of various tools of text analysis, the student is able to analyse and describe complex concepts.

Autonomous use of the language

B2
The student is able to understand complicated texts and abstract concepts as a whole and engage in thematic conversations related to specific domains. He/she expresses her/himself spontaneously and fluently and has no difficulty understanding and making him/herself understood when communicating with native speakers. The student is also able to explain, in a clear and detailed manner, various topics related to the same theme and to express a point of view on current events by demonstrating the pros and cons of different options.

B1
Basic concepts, when expressed in a clear and relatively simple way, are understood. Familiar topics relating to work, education or private life can be assimilated quickly. Most situations encountered in countries where the language is spoken can be handled without difficulty. The student is able to express him/herself in a fluent and consistent manner on everyday themes or more specific ones, talk about past events or his/her experience and describe dreams, hopes or intentions without difficulty. He/she can also justify and explain his ideas and projects.

Elementary use of the language

A2
Simple sentences and common expressions are understood when they are used in relation to familiar subjects (introductions, family, shopping, work, personal environment, etc.). The student is capable of producing grammatically correct statements in simple everyday life situations – that is, requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar themes. The student can describe his/her personality, education, environment and things related to personal needs. 

A1
Ability to understand common expressions or simply constructed sentences and use them in order to satisfy concrete needs. The student is able to introduce him/herself to others and ask them about themselves. For instance: Where do you live? Who are your friends? What do you have? He/she can also answer these questions directly. The student is capable of handling simple communication situations, if his/her interlocutors are expressing themselves slowly and clearly and are ready to assist.